After a world record 8.9 earthquake struck Japan, followed shortly by a devastating tsunami that caused billions of dollars in losses and what I’m sure will be 1000’s of  lives in Japan, Thursday evening (EST), Hawaii braced itself for the arrival of tsunami waves early this morning.  If you want to help, you can make […]

I just received word from Priceline that they will continue to offer American Airlines’ flights on their system.  You can earn your AAdvantage frequent flyer miles booking thru them, as well.
For those who have not noticed, American Airlines recently pulled their flight availability from Orbitz and Expedia.  So, when searching for flights on those two […]

That’s Merry Christmas for all of you who aren’t as familiar with this Hawaiian greeting as you may be with Aloha!
By now you’ve completed your Christmas shopping and are simply looking forward to getting together with the family, sitting back and enjoying, as the wrapping paper is shredded and boxes torn opened and in mere […]

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but its not enough that car rental companies charge you a late fee if you return your car more than an hour later than you say you will, but now it appears, some of them are charging a fee if you return your car earlier than you said you […]

As of today, United Airlines and Continental Airlines are ONE!  It will likely take till the end of next year before all components of their operation are unified, but their airplanes should start to show off their new “United/Continental Globe” look, soon.
Since United and Continental represent a significant percentage of passenger seats from the mainland […]

World Class or Street Fare and Everything In-Between
It wasn’t that long ago that Hawaii was considered a waste land when it came to “good eats”, but that has changed and even the fussiest of connoisseurs will find dishes that will satisfy their pallets.  As for me, I personally am drawn to the more everyday dishes […]

I don’t know if you’re aware or not, but regular unleaded gas has reached the $4.00/gallon mark in the Kailua-Kona area and Kahului, Maui!  Not that its a bargain in Honolulu @$3.45/gal. or Hilo @$3.65/gal., but its just a psychological barrier when it hits $4.00.
Of course, even on the mainland, gas prices have pushed pass […]

First planting of Cacao beans in 1850
Chocolate from Hawaii began with the introduction of cacao beans to Hawaii happened in 1850, when German physician William Hillebrand brought the first plant to Foster Botanical Garden in Honolulu.   The first commercial crop of cacao beans was planted in Hilo in the early 1890’s.  World War I brought […]